Federal spending bill rejects anti-GMO labeling push!

December 16, 2015

In a win for the 90% of Americans who support labeling GMO products, the federal spending bill released this morning not only rejected industry’s push for anti-labeling language, but included a provision requiring labeling for genetically engineered salmon!

This puts Vermonters another huge step closer to seeing labels on GMO foods next summer. The biotech and junk food industries have been fighting tooth and nail to preempt states’ ability to label genetically engineered products, and in particular to kill Vermont’s law before companies need to start the labeling process. In fact, lobbying by anti-labeling groups is expected to top $100 million just for this year, which doesn’t even include the amount being spent fighting state ballot initiatives.

Their most recent strategy to try to block mandatory GMO labeling through an end-of-the-year, must-pass spending bill was further proof of the underhanded tactics used to sidestep the broad citizen support for labeling and the rights of states to implement labeling requirements.

Lawmakers also responded in the omnibus spending bill to the FDA’s approval last month of genetically engineered salmon. The Agency will be required, for the first time, to develop labels for the AquAdvantage salmon before they are allowed on the market – this is a really incredible victory for right to know advocates!

VPIRG and the Vermont Right to Know GMOs coalition would like to extend a special thanks to our congressional delegation and elected officials for standing up for our right to know what’s in our food. We know that the biotech and junk food industries have not given up this fight and will be back come January. They will continue to try and use their influence in Washington to keep consumers in the dark, but we will continue to fight for your right to know. Stay tuned for more updates as we get ready to see labels on GMO foods this summer.

Kati Gallagher

Donate to the Food Fight Fund!

The Vermont Food Fight Fund was established by the Vermont Legislature in April 2014 as a special fund to support the State's implementation and administration of its first-in-the-nation clear Genetically Engineered food labeling law, including in litigation anticipated to be filed against it. Together we can win!